PASTOR'S UPDATE AUGUST 2, 2024
Hello, Friendship family!
As we step into August, let’s draw inspiration from the Apostle Paul. Despite facing numerous trials—imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and constant opposition—Paul never wavered in his commitment to spreading the Gospel. His resilience is evident in his unwavering dedication to preaching, evangelizing, and establishing churches. Even when facing threats and hardships, Paul continued to press on, showing us the power of enduring faith and perseverance.
Welcome to August at Friendship Baptist Church, where we embrace our annual Sabbath Rest. You might be asking, what exactly is Sabbath Rest?
The term “Sabbath” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “cease” or “desist.” In biblical times, it was a day from Friday evening to Saturday evening when ordinary work stopped. It’s a time to honor God, reflect on creation and redemption, and rejuvenate spiritually.
So why do we practice Sabbath Rest here at Friendship? Since 2013, we’ve recognized this period as a chance for everyone to wind down from summer activities, enjoy a well-deserved break, and prepare for the busy fall season. It’s a time for rest, reflection, and renewal for both our members and our campus.
From August 4 to September 2 is our season of Sabbath Rest. During this period, we’ll pause meetings and ministries, except for Sunday Worship Services and Sunday Ex-Hour Classes. It’s an opportunity for each of us to refocus, refresh, and get ready for a new start.
We encourage you to use this time to deepen your relationship with God. You might start or continue a Bible reading plan and aim to finish by the end of the year. With 151 days left in the year, it’s a perfect time to set a reading goal. Consider reading a Psalm and a Proverb that correspond with the date. For example, on August 4, read Psalm 4 and Proverbs 4. This daily practice can guide your spiritual journey and help you stay connected with God’s Word.
Our Wednesday morning prayer at 6:30 a.m. and noon will continue, but we’ll pause the evening prayer at 6:30 p.m. The church office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but there will be no evening meetings. Our food pantry will maintain its regular schedule.
Now let's look at the announcements.
As we step into August, let’s draw inspiration from the Apostle Paul. Despite facing numerous trials—imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and constant opposition—Paul never wavered in his commitment to spreading the Gospel. His resilience is evident in his unwavering dedication to preaching, evangelizing, and establishing churches. Even when facing threats and hardships, Paul continued to press on, showing us the power of enduring faith and perseverance.
Welcome to August at Friendship Baptist Church, where we embrace our annual Sabbath Rest. You might be asking, what exactly is Sabbath Rest?
The term “Sabbath” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “cease” or “desist.” In biblical times, it was a day from Friday evening to Saturday evening when ordinary work stopped. It’s a time to honor God, reflect on creation and redemption, and rejuvenate spiritually.
So why do we practice Sabbath Rest here at Friendship? Since 2013, we’ve recognized this period as a chance for everyone to wind down from summer activities, enjoy a well-deserved break, and prepare for the busy fall season. It’s a time for rest, reflection, and renewal for both our members and our campus.
From August 4 to September 2 is our season of Sabbath Rest. During this period, we’ll pause meetings and ministries, except for Sunday Worship Services and Sunday Ex-Hour Classes. It’s an opportunity for each of us to refocus, refresh, and get ready for a new start.
We encourage you to use this time to deepen your relationship with God. You might start or continue a Bible reading plan and aim to finish by the end of the year. With 151 days left in the year, it’s a perfect time to set a reading goal. Consider reading a Psalm and a Proverb that correspond with the date. For example, on August 4, read Psalm 4 and Proverbs 4. This daily practice can guide your spiritual journey and help you stay connected with God’s Word.
Our Wednesday morning prayer at 6:30 a.m. and noon will continue, but we’ll pause the evening prayer at 6:30 p.m. The church office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but there will be no evening meetings. Our food pantry will maintain its regular schedule.
Now let's look at the announcements.
MONTHLY FAMILY PRAYER SERVICE
Tonight we will have an in-person Family Prayer Service on Friday, August 2nd, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Join us for worship and prayer. Our last in-person prayer meeting was wonderful, and we look forward to another powerful time together. You can view our prayer list and see the theme for the month of August HERE.
Tonight we will have an in-person Family Prayer Service on Friday, August 2nd, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Join us for worship and prayer. Our last in-person prayer meeting was wonderful, and we look forward to another powerful time together. You can view our prayer list and see the theme for the month of August HERE.
CHURCH PICNIC
Don’t forget our church picnic on tomorrow, Saturday, August 3rd, at Ted Craig Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’ll have food, games, jumpers, and fun for the entire family. All food is included; we just ask you to bring your favorite dessert or a case of water. Before the picnic, join us for our Health Care Ministry’s Annual 5K Health Walk at 8 a.m. It’s going to be a great day, so come ready to enjoy!
Don’t forget our church picnic on tomorrow, Saturday, August 3rd, at Ted Craig Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’ll have food, games, jumpers, and fun for the entire family. All food is included; we just ask you to bring your favorite dessert or a case of water. Before the picnic, join us for our Health Care Ministry’s Annual 5K Health Walk at 8 a.m. It’s going to be a great day, so come ready to enjoy!
YOUTH WORSHIP SERVICE
The Youth will meet this Sunday!
Youth (6th-12th Grade) Worship Service takes place each 1-3rd Sundays. This Sunday, August 4, we are beginning a new series called "Finding Truth" for the month of June. Have your youth come out to this dynamic series! We meet at 11:30 am in the basement of the Carrington Building.
The Youth will meet this Sunday!
Youth (6th-12th Grade) Worship Service takes place each 1-3rd Sundays. This Sunday, August 4, we are beginning a new series called "Finding Truth" for the month of June. Have your youth come out to this dynamic series! We meet at 11:30 am in the basement of the Carrington Building.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACK & SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY
Our Back to School Backpack and School Supply Giveaway will take place on Sunday, August 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. YES CHURCH IS STILL TAKING PLACE! We are partnering with the NAACP of Orange County to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
Parents, bring your children out for a fun day of play and praise! Get the school supplies you need! Plus, there will be an ART Village where students can personalize their backpacks with creative pins and patches. They will also have the opportunity to take selfies with a nice Back-To-School backdrop. We will have food vendors, cotton candy and more!!! Our scholarship ministries will be taking sign-ups for the new school year! The whole family can get their praise on at the 8:00 am and 11:30 am Services! Right after the 11:30am service, at 1:30 pm, our College & Career Prep Ministry will be hosting a College Information Dialogue Session. There will be two separate panels: One for future college students and another for parents. Friendship, this is a great opportunity to invite families you know to worship with you and get ready for the school year.
Our Back to School Backpack and School Supply Giveaway will take place on Sunday, August 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. YES CHURCH IS STILL TAKING PLACE! We are partnering with the NAACP of Orange County to kick off the 2024-2025 school year.
Parents, bring your children out for a fun day of play and praise! Get the school supplies you need! Plus, there will be an ART Village where students can personalize their backpacks with creative pins and patches. They will also have the opportunity to take selfies with a nice Back-To-School backdrop. We will have food vendors, cotton candy and more!!! Our scholarship ministries will be taking sign-ups for the new school year! The whole family can get their praise on at the 8:00 am and 11:30 am Services! Right after the 11:30am service, at 1:30 pm, our College & Career Prep Ministry will be hosting a College Information Dialogue Session. There will be two separate panels: One for future college students and another for parents. Friendship, this is a great opportunity to invite families you know to worship with you and get ready for the school year.
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION COMMEMORATIVE BOOK
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is here. You can pick up your book this weekend or purchase one for only $75.00. Friendship, family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone.
Our 60th Anniversary Commemorative book is here. You can pick up your book this weekend or purchase one for only $75.00. Friendship, family, friends, and guests, we need you to support this great milestone.
2024 CHRISTMAS GALA - DECEMBER 13
BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 15
Looking WAY ahead, mark your calendars for Sunday, September 15th—Back to Church Sunday! This national event takes place on the third Sunday of September each year, where churches across America come together to invite their communities to church. Plan to be here and bring someone with you to this special event.
Friendship, family, and friends, have you purchased your Christmas Gala ticket yet? Tickets are still on sale online and after each worship service on Sunday at the Christmas Gala table. Tickets are just $75.00. You can make a partial payment and pay off the rest by November 24, 2024. Please, stop by the Christmas Gala table for more information.
Join us Friday, December 13th, for a festive, fun, and fabulous 2024 Christmas Gala at the Los Coyotes Country Club at 7 pm, in Buena Park. . Secure your spot now and join us for an evening of festive joy and celebration. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a fabulous time!
Join us Friday, December 13th, for a festive, fun, and fabulous 2024 Christmas Gala at the Los Coyotes Country Club at 7 pm, in Buena Park. . Secure your spot now and join us for an evening of festive joy and celebration. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a fabulous time!
To purchase your tickets, pleas scan the QR code on the flier or go HERE.
BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 15
Looking WAY ahead, mark your calendars for Sunday, September 15th—Back to Church Sunday! This national event takes place on the third Sunday of September each year, where churches across America come together to invite their communities to church. Plan to be here and bring someone with you to this special event.
SAFETY TEAM
The Friendship Safety Team is currently recruiting new members. We need more women and coverage for the 2nd service.
The prerequisites are:
We also would like to appeal to those in Law Enforcement Officers or Retired LEOs. We would love to you on the team, but we know that many of you want to just worship and leave the job at the job. The Safety team, however, just needs to know who you are and where you (in the service) are in case of an emergency.
If interested please contact Pastor Rodney Friend HERE.
The Friendship Safety Team is currently recruiting new members. We need more women and coverage for the 2nd service.
The prerequisites are:
- Member in good standing. New Members must complete new member's class to be officially added to the team. However, they are able to serve while attending the class.
- Ability to serve the entire service. We ask that they show up 30 mins prior to the start of service and stay until the end of service, preferably until all the parishioners leave.
- Be available for special services/events, as needed.
We also would like to appeal to those in Law Enforcement Officers or Retired LEOs. We would love to you on the team, but we know that many of you want to just worship and leave the job at the job. The Safety team, however, just needs to know who you are and where you (in the service) are in case of an emergency.
If interested please contact Pastor Rodney Friend HERE.
FAITHFUL GIVING
We want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. YOUR GIVING MATTERS! Your faithful giving allows us to increasingly do the work of ministry for our members AND to everyone the Lord sends to us and sends us to. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a productive church! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
Psalm 62:1-2; Psalm 91:1; Psalm 116:7; Jeremiah 6:16; Psalms 23:1-2; Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9-11
✔ The Pentateuch (or the first five books of the Old Testament),
✔ The entire Old Testament,
✔ The Gospels (or the first four books of the New Testament),
✔ The entire New Testament, and
✔ Psalms and Proverbs (3 times)
Finally, let’s keep Lady Karima in our prayers as she travels to Malawi, Africa with Loma Linda University Health. She’ll be serving graduating students and leaders from around the world at the Global Health Leadership Academy.
Thank you for joining us today. May this month of Sabbath Rest be a time of renewal and growth in your spiritual journey?
God Loves You and So do I!
See you on Sunday!
Remember God Loves you and So do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
We want to say thank you for your giving and partnership. YOUR GIVING MATTERS! Your faithful giving allows us to increasingly do the work of ministry for our members AND to everyone the Lord sends to us and sends us to. Let’s keep giving to make Friendship a productive church! You may give HERE.
General Church things to remember:
- 2024 CHURCH THEME:
Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV
- AUGUST PRAYER FOCUS:
Psalm 62:1-2; Psalm 91:1; Psalm 116:7; Jeremiah 6:16; Psalms 23:1-2; Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:9-11
- BIBLE READING
We invite everyone to consider reading God’s Word this year! As of today, you have 151 days to complete a Bible reading plan, including today. At Friendship, we encourage every member to read one of six Bible reading plans in the year. Consider joining a Bible-reading small group that will be starting soon! The plans include:
✔ The entire Bible,✔ The Pentateuch (or the first five books of the Old Testament),
✔ The entire Old Testament,
✔ The Gospels (or the first four books of the New Testament),
✔ The entire New Testament, and
✔ Psalms and Proverbs (3 times)
- WEEKLY HEALTH WALK
Remember, Health Care Ministry is sponsoring a weekly Health Walk every Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:35 am led by Rev. Aubrey Craig and Sister Sandra Jones. This is a 30-minute walk. The walking group will meet on the corner of Bastanchury Road and Rose Drive. If you want to participate, show up with water and energy snacks. Water and snacks will not be provided. For more information, please call Sister Sandra Jones at 909-438-7217.
- IN-PERSON EX-HOUR:
We invite you to stay after the first service or come earlier for the second service to attend EX-Hour in person. Remember, we have two adult classes meeting in person on campus and a Young Adult Class. They meet as follows:
- Adult Class One (Sanctuary): The team teaching in the Sanctuary includes Lady Karima Curry, Pamela Jones, Deacon Demetrius Linebarger, Melanie Porter, Vivian Randolph, & Deacon James Shelby
- Adult Class Two (Carrington Building Room 217): The team teaching in the Carrington Building Room 217 includes Le Shon Archer, Deacon Rick Archer, Karen Ammons, Gwen Matthews, and Carl Randolph.
- Young Adults Class (Carrington Building Rooms 207-208): This class is designed for those aged 18-35.
- VIRTUAL EX HOUR: Virtual Ex-Hour meets weekly on Sundays via ZOOM. Join us for class at 10:00 am via this link HERE.
- YOUTH EX HOUR: Our in-person youth EX-Hour takes place during our designated EX Hour time in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please encourage your students to join youth teachers for this biblically fun opportunity to learn God’s Word, connect with others, and grow.
- CHILDREN’S EX-HOUR: As stated in previous weeks, our Children’s EX-Hour is back and meets on Sundays at 10am in the Multipurpose Building. Parents, please note you must check in and check out your children weekly for Ex-Hour.
- MOMMIES WITH BABIES: We have our Mommies with Babies class simultaneously during EX-Hour in the Multipurpose Building. Mommies with two years old and younger children are invited to this EX-HOUR class and are encouraged to bring their children with them! Come for encouragement, community, and growth! Amen!
- WEDNESDAY Prayer Day: Join us each Wednesday for Prayer. We pray at 6:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 6:30 pm. To connect with our prayer services, please follow this link HERE or dial in at +1 (413) 418-4274 and use the PIN 287683504#.
- Friendship FOOD BANK OPEN: The Friendship Food Bank is OPEN with a new drive-thru system where our clients will receive a pre-packaged food box and a bag of groceries. The Food Bank’s hours of operation are Tuesday - Thursday, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm.
Finally, let’s keep Lady Karima in our prayers as she travels to Malawi, Africa with Loma Linda University Health. She’ll be serving graduating students and leaders from around the world at the Global Health Leadership Academy.
Thank you for joining us today. May this month of Sabbath Rest be a time of renewal and growth in your spiritual journey?
God Loves You and So do I!
See you on Sunday!
Remember God Loves you and So do I!
Rev. Kenneth C. Curry, Jr.
Your Pastor
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